Malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. It is always considered fatal and is notoriously difficult to treat. But researchers from Austria and Germany have just completed a study that suggests that by identifying genetic differences in mesothelioma patients, physicians may be able to make more effective use of targeted immunotherapies.
Immunotherapy Offers Hope for Mesothelioma Patients
Though patients diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma have long been treated with a combination of surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy with the hope of a few more months of survival and improved quality of life, innovative immunotherapy treatments have offered hope for more pronounced effects.
Through clinical trials, researchers have found that different types of immunotherapy work better on some patients than others, and closer analysis has revealed that the difference lies in the patient’s genetic makeup. This has led to the conclusion that different mesothelioma subtypes are characterized by different genetic profiles, and that makes a difference in their response to drug therapies.
Different Mesothelioma Subtypes have Different Genetic Makeup
Pathologists from the Medical University of Graz in Austria and universities in Essen, Germany examined samples derived from tumors from patients who had previously been diagnosed as having either the epithelioid or sarcomatoid subtypes of pleural mesothelioma. Isolating the RNA from each revealed significant genetic differences between the two subtypes, and this led to varying responses to the immunotherapy treatments that were administered.
Writing on their findings, lead author Luka Brcic of the Medical University of Graz said, “Our study revealed a notable difference between epithelioid and sarcomatoid mesothelioma, showing differential gene expression for 304 out of 698 expressed genes. Our work reveals the specific role of the immune system within the different histologic subtypes of malignant pleural mesothelioma, providing a more detailed background of their immunogenic potential.”
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma, receiving care at a medical facility with access to state of the art diagnostic equipment can lead to better outcomes. For access to these resources, contact the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net today at 1-800-692-8608.
